Rosa Luxemburg Foundation Doctoral Scholarship in Germany

Applications are now open for the Rosa Luxemburg Foundation Doctoral Scholarship, a prestigious funding opportunity designed to support doctoral candidates pursuing research excellence. This scholarship is available for doctoral studies in all academic disciplines except medicine. The program welcomes both German doctoral candidates and international applicants, with no application fee required.

The scholarship offers financial support for up to three years of doctoral research. Funding is available for applicants who demonstrate exceptional academic performance and a strong commitment to the foundation’s social principles. Two distinct programs cater to different applicant profiles: one for German doctoral candidates studying at universities in Germany, EU countries, or Switzerland, and another specifically for international candidates pursuing doctorates at German universities. You can check out BS, MS, PhD and postdoc positions here

Key Details:

• Degree Level: PhD
• Host Country: Germany
• Application Deadline: Check the official website
• Funding Type: Fully Funded Scholarship
• Funding Duration: Maximum 3 years
• Open to All Nationalities: Partially – Two separate programs for German and international candidates
• Application Fee: No application fee required

What This Scholarship Offers:

• Financial support for their doctoral research for up to 3 years
• Recognition and prestige associated with the Rosa Luxemburg Foundation
• Opportunity to pursue research in their chosen discipline with financial security
• Access to a network of scholars and academics supported by the foundation
• Support that allows candidates to focus on their research without financial barriers
• Connection to an institution committed to social justice and academic excellence
• Flexibility to conduct research stays abroad (applicable to certain program participants)

Also Check: Vice-Chancellor’s PhD Excellence Scholarship (Fully Funded)

Eligibility Criteria:

General Requirements (All Applicants)

• Very good academic degree
• Strong commitment to the principles and social causes of the Rosa Luxemburg Foundation
• Very good German language skills (Level B2 proficiency with official proof required, even if dissertation is written in English)
• Must be enrolled in doctoral studies at a recognized university
• No simultaneous receipt of other public scholarships or unemployment benefits
• No scholarships awarded for doctoral completion

Program-Specific Requirements

For German Doctoral Candidates:

• Admitted to doctoral studies at a state or state-recognized university in Germany, an EU country, or Switzerland
• Previous scholarship or doctoral funding must have lasted less than 1.5 years (if applicable)

For International Doctoral Candidates:

• Admitted to doctoral studies at a state or state-recognized university in Germany
• Supervision by a German university professor
• Not been in Germany for more than 15 months at the time of application (exceptions apply if you previously studied in Germany or began doctoral studies there more than 15 months ago)
• Priority given to applicants from DAC countries still residing in their country of origin at application time
• Previous scholarship or doctoral funding must have lasted less than 1.5 years (if applicable)

Also Check: Czech Government Scholarships for MS & PhD 2027

How to Apply:

• Visit the Rosa Luxemburg Foundation website
• Review the specific requirements for your applicant category (German or International)
• Ensure you meet all eligibility criteria before applying
• Prepare required documents including proof of German language proficiency (B2 level)
• Complete the online application form through the foundation’s portal
• Submit your application before the deadline

Also Check: Graduate Research Scholarships at University of Melbourne, Australia